Your Recovery Timeline
Phase 1
🗓 Phase 1: The Hospital & Early Mobilization (Days 1–3)
Goal:
Pain management and safe movement.
What Happens:
Most patients begin walking with assistance within hours of surgery.
Key Milestones
✔ Transitioning from IV pain medication to oral medication
✔ Learning to use a walker or crutches safely
✔ Performing ankle pumps to prevent blood clots
Discharge:
Depending on the procedure, patients may go home the same day or after one night.
Phase 2
🗓 Phase 2: Early Healing & Range of Motion (Weeks 1–2)
Goal:
Protect the incision and reduce swelling.
What Happens:
Focus is on wound care and gentle movement while starting physical therapy.
Key Milestones
✔ 2-week follow-up appointment
✔ Stitches or staples removal
✔ Improved bending and straightening of the joint
Phase 3
🗓 Phase 3: Strengthening & The Turning Point (Weeks 3–6)
Goal:
Restore muscle strength and independence.
What Happens:
Patients usually begin to feel more comfortable as surgical soreness reduces.
Key Milestones
✔ Transition from walker to cane
✔ Clearance for driving
✔ Returning to desk work
Phase 4
🗓 Phase 4: Functional Restoration (Months 2–3)
Goal:
Return to daily activities and light exercise.
What Happens:
Swelling reduces and advanced exercises begin.
Key Milestones
✔ Cycling, swimming, brisk walking
✔ Resuming hobbies like golf or gardening
✔ Walking long distances comfortably
Phase 5
🗓 Phase 5: Full Activity & Maximum Benefit (Months 6–12)
Goal:
Return to sports and full physical activity.
What Happens:
Bone and soft tissues fully adapt to the joint or ligament repair.
Key Milestones
✔ Clearance for sports activities
✔ Full strength and stability
✔ Reaching the “forgotten joint” stage
Quick Recovery Tips for Patients
❄ Ice is Your Best Friend
Use ice therapy 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to control swelling.
🏃 Movement is Medicine
Follow your physiotherapy exercises regularly for faster recovery.
🥗 Nutrition Matters
Eat high-protein foods and stay hydrated to support tissue healing.
Need Guidance During Recovery?
Our orthopedic team will guide you through every step of the recovery process with personalized rehabilitation plans.